Google’s AI emissions have soared to 50%. But that’s not stopping them from integrating the feature into their latest Pixel phones. In fact, the upcoming Pixel 9 series will use it under the “Google AI” branding. One new feature, Add Me, makes sure everyone fits into those tight group photos. Another one, Studio, is an upgraded tool for creating and remixing stickers, and it might also generate AI images and videos. There’s more where these capabilities came from.
New AI features to join Circle to Search & others on Pixel 9 series
Google announced and released the Pixel 8 series in October 2023, and then came Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series in January 2024. These phones used AI like never before on a mobile device. We saw improvements in photography and videography significantly. Features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Best Take used AI algorithms to improve image quality, remove unwanted objects, and select the best shots from a burst.
You could even break down language barriers with live translations of conversations in real-time, whether in person or on phone call — and let’s not forget Circle to Search. As confirmed from a Google source by Android Authority, the Pixel 9 series is set to launch in August with new Machine Learning (ML) features under the “Google AI” brand, including one similar to Microsoft’s Recall.
The first is Add Me. It builds on the concept of Best Take from the Pixel 8 series, blending photo expressions and merging capabilities. Add Me analyzes group photos to detect faces and make adjustments to keep everyone looking their best in the photo.
Studio and Pixel Screenshots will also make appearances on Pixel 9 series
Coming alongside Add Me on Pixel 9 phones is Studio. Studio is supposed to be an upgraded Creative Assistant app that works with the screenshot editor on Pixel phones. Originally for making and mixing stickers, it might expand to create AI-generated images and videos, which is something to look forward to.
There are rumors that Imagen 2, VideoFX, Veo, and ImageFX could power Studio. These tools are currently under testing or available to select users within Google Labs. But the previews have shown how remarkable they perform.
Finally, there’s Pixel Screenshots. Pixel Screenshots works like Microsoft’s Recall but emphasizes privacy. It only checks screenshots you manually capture to add metadata. This local AI processing then lets you search them by their content and engage with them using a built-in bot.
Basically, what it does is gather metadata like web links, app names, and dates from each screenshot to provide context. Processing this data will happen locally on your device to protect your privacy, which is a win if you don’t want it sent to the cloud.
Pixel 9 series release is closer than you may think
Google will launch the Pixel 9 series with the latest AI features at the Made by Google event in Mountain View on August 13. It’s possible they’ll roll out to third-party devices, although that would happen much later into this year or next.
